Minivan Express: A Fun Christmas Tradition
One of my favorite traditions that we have established as our own little family is going around to look at Christmas lights in our pajamas a few days before Christmas. It has now lovingly been coined “The Minivan Express” (inspired by Confessions of a Homeschooler).
The boys absolutely love this special night…and so do we! It just goes to show that family memories don’t have to be extravagant or expensive. Often times, it’s the simple things that are the most meaningful!
UPDATE: Â IÂ created these printable Minivan Express Tickets for you to download and print…making this fun family tradition even easier!
I make their “golden tickets” out of glittery craft foam  and then write on them with paint markers. I planned to reuse the tickets year after year, but the boys love to keep them…so I’ll just plan to make new ones every year. OR you can print these tickets!
Printable Minivan Express Tickets 
We get ready for bed like it’s a typical evening. But when the boys pull the covers down to crawl in bed, their golden ticket is waiting for them!
 We hop in the car…with snacks, of course! Little Brother is munching on some waffle cookies that a neighbor gave us. We also normally have hot cocoa (or juice), popcorn, and cookies.
Once everyone is strapped in and settled, we’re off to see the best lights in town!
Big Brother was so excited…can you tell?!?! :)
 This house was amazing. They have a sign posted with a radio station and they have the lights “choreographed” to a loop of 4 or 5 different songs!
I just bought these lap desks for this year at Michael’s for $5 each. I thought they would be useful for keeping the boys snacks while we’re driving.
And the Minivan Express wouldn’t be complete without the proper music! I’ve made a CD with the following songs:
“Santa Claus is Coming to Town” by Jackson 5
“Happy Birthday, Jesus” by Kapena
“O Holy Night” by Martina McBride
“Baby, It’s Cold Outside” by Ella Fitzgerald
“White Christmas” by Bing Crosby
“Jingle Bells” by Frank Sinatra
“Breath of Heaven” by Jessica Simpson
“Little Drummer Boy” by Jars of Clay
“Silent Night” by Sarah McLachlan
What is one of your family’s favorite Christmas traditions???
What a cute tradition! Do you worry about then eating in the car? We don’t do that for fear of choking. :(
Our boys are old enough that we don’t have to worry about this as much (and one of us is constantly looking back at them, mainly to see the joy on their faces). You could still do the same thing…just only do a drink instead of a drink AND snacks. :)